There is some coverage for plastic surgery through health insurance, but only in specific situations. Women with back problems often find that breast reduction surgery is covered by their health insurance. Plastic surgery to correct paralysis or conditions affecting the facial muscles is often covered by insurance. Nasal deformities that affect breathing might result in a free nose job. In other words, plastic surgery insurance coverage is typically only available for people who need it for health reasons. Not just because they want to have it done.
Cosmetic Surgery Prices
Cosmetic surgery prices continue to climb. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, plastic surgery became even more expensive in 2007. Some statistics about average prices* for cosmetic surgery from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2005, 2006 and 2007:
- Botox: 2005 Plastic Surgery Costs $363 / 2006 Costs $492 / 2007 Costs $501
- Breast Lift: 2005 Cosmetic Surgery Prices $3573 / 2006 Costs $4220 / 2007 Costs $4236
- Butt Lift: 2005 Cosmetic Surgery Prices $3790 / 2006 Costs $4527 / 2007 Costs $4711
- Calf Augmentation: 2005 Plastic Surgery Costs $2221 / 2006 Costs $2982 / 2007 Costs $3206
- Facelift: 2005 Cosmetic Surgery Prices $4484 / 2006 Costs $4856 / 2007 Costs $5031
- Lip Augmentation: 2005 Plastic Surgery Costs $1182 / 2006 Costs $1603 / 2007 Costs $1604
- Liposuction: 2005 Plastic Surgery Costs $2323 / 2006 Costs $2750 / 2007 Costs $2982
- Microdermabrasion: 2005 Cosmetic Surgery Prices $177 / 2006 Costs $264 / 2007 Costs $283
- Tummy Tuck: 2005 Plastic Surgery Costs $4402 / 2006 Costs $5063 / 2007 Costs $5264
*National average surgeon/physician fees do not include fees for anesthesia, operating room facilities or other surgery-related expenses. The actual cost for plastic surgery may be much higher.
Ways to Pay for Plastic Surgery
There are some other options available to help pay for plastic surgery costs, including medical tourism, more affordable plastic surgery package deals and financing plastic surgery.
- Affordable plastic surgery with medical tourism. Many people have turned to medical tourism to find affordable plastic surgery. The price to have cosmetic surgery in Cuba, Costa Rica, India and a number of other countries is only a fraction of what it costs in the U.S.- including travel expenses. Medical tourism has become increasingly popular; it's no wonder, when reviewing the rising costs of plastic surgery. There are other benefits of medical tourism, including convenience- there is often less time to wait before surgery in some of the popular medical destination countries. There are also a number of risks, including the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Medical tourism also may prevent patients from having a leg to stand on in case of wrongdoing; not all foreign medical malpractice lawsuits hold up for visiting foreigners.
- Discount packages can make plastic surgery affordable. If a man or woman plans to have a series of Botox injections or multiple procedures, the doctor's office may be able to provide a better rate. Don't forget to ask about the physician's policy on discounts, especially when thinking about getting more work done.
- Find out if the physician will let patients finance the cost of plastic surgery. Many reputable cosmetic surgeons will allow patients to finance procedures to help allay the costs. In addition, some banks and lending institutions specialize in financing plastic surgery.
It's always a good idea to check with the individual or family health insurance company to find out if there is coverage before submitting to any kind of medical procedure. Review health insurance coverages and then decide if an alternative way to pay for plastic surgery is necessary.
Learn more about health insurance including paying for prenatal healthcare, choosing between HMOs and PPOs and getting medical debt help.
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